THUNDER BAY, ONTARIO - September 1, 2018 (LSN) The Ministry of Transportation has Canncelled the first Public Information Centre concerning the possible future widening of a section of Highway 61.

The Ministry of Transportation had announced the first Public Information Centre concerning the possible future widening of a section of Highway 61.

The first of three public meetings was set for Wednesday, September 5 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Best Western Nor'Wester has been canncelled

MTO has separated the study area into two sections, one from the airport to Chippewa Road, and one from Chippewa Road to just south of Loch Lomond Road.

Structural rehabilitation work is currently underway at the three locations (CPR Overhead; Rosslyn Road Overhead and CNR Subway North and South structures) on Highway 61. The work is progressing well and the project is on track to be completed this fall.

The work includes the removal of deteriorated concrete, replacing with new concrete, and structural steel coating. The second stage (west side) at CNR has commenced and it is anticipated that the second stage work will commence at CPR and Rosslyn Road Overhead mid-September

Ministry of Transportation is reportly said a comprehensive, line-by-line audit of government spending, including projects committed to by the previous Liberal government. as the reason for canceling Wednesday Public meeting.

Hwy 61 planning and design study

The ministry has commenced a planning and preliminary design study for the 9.2 kilometre section of Highway 61 from Arthur Street to Loch Lomond Road. The purpose of the study is to assess existing conditions; determine interim, immediate and future highway needs; review alternatives and identify a preferred plan. The study commenced in December, 2017 and is expected to be completed by fall 2020.

This study is part of ministry’s long-range transportation planning initiatives to ensure future highway needs are addressed for Highway 61. The project is currently not funded for construction.

More information can be found on the project website at www.MTOhighway61.com.